Scott Walker Column

Published 7 Jul 2010 11:48 0 Comments

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I'M back on Scottish soil after a fortnight's family holiday in the searing Florida heat ready to throw myself into pre-season with the Wasps.

The humidity across the pond was exhausting at times, but I'm happy to say I managed to keep myself fit running and swimming as much as possible. It is vital to be in the best shape you can returning to training - I was in on Saturday having only arrived back the day before, and it was an intense session, but thankfully my body held up because of the work I've been doing.

The gaffer has added some new faces to the squad over the past few weeks and I was delighted to learn Darren Smith, who I played with for two seasons when I was at Brechin, is now an Alloa player. Mark my words, he is a fantastic talent and a great acquisition for the club.

With all the new players, there'll be plenty of competition for places next term, and that's a great thing - the gaffer needs to have options. It was tough last season because we didn't have that.

Turning to the World Cup in South Africa, I really didn't see the Germany-Argentina result coming, as Maradona's side had looked like such a goal threat in previous games.

It's no big surprise at the same time though that the Germans are into the last four. They are always going to be there or thereabouts. As a team, they get forward with blistering pace - they are a young, fit and hungry team who will be buzzing with confidence right now. Reigning European champions Spain have huffed and puffed their way through to a semi showdown with Germany and I fancy them to come unstuck against Joachim Loew's side.

My gut is telling me Germany will face Uruguay in the final. The South Americans might not be fancied by many to dump the Dutch in their semi-final clash, but I watched Holland play Brazil in the quarters and felt they looked quite vulnerable. If Germany do get past the Spanish I think they will be good enough to win it because they have been so convincing throughout.

I see the English FA have decided to keep Fabio Capello as their national coach, and in all fairness, they've probably done the best thing. Yes, England were very average at the World Cup - but the Italian can learn from his South African experience. In my opinion, the Italian made a mistake in taking his squad off to play games in Switzerland just three days after the Premiership season ended. The players should have been given a longer period to rest and the chance to spend time with their families. The guys needed a break both physically and mentally.

I think they would be silly to get rid of Capello - they have to give him more time. He failed at the World Cup as a manager and now, in my opinion, must take England to the final of the Euros in 2012 if he wants to keep his job beyond that.

Back to the Wasps, we're off to Oban at the weekend to defend the Keyline Cup against a host of top SPL sides, including Scottish Cup holders Dundee United, in what will be an important pre-season test for us. There were lots of our fans up there to watch us win in 2009 and it would be phenomenal if we could retain our title against full-time players.

The weekend trip north will also help players to bond - it will be about fitness and shaping partnerships ahead of the new season.

Next week, I'll give my reaction to the World Cup final and tell you how we got on in Oban.

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